Medieval Philosophy - Essay Example

Medieval Philosophy Celebrated Twelfth century theologian, intellectual, and philosopher Saint Anselm has devised the Ontological argument in his methodology while explaining and interpreting his spiritual thoughtfulness. He applies the same logical technique in order to define the existence of God, according to which the concept and reality about the existence of Almighty God is far higher and sublime than the reach of human mind. In his illustrious Proslogion, Anselm longs for seeing the holy face of the Lord, which is, according to the Abrahamic mythology, impossible to do in this life on the earth. Consequently, idea about God can only be conceived and imagined, instead of seeing the countenance of the Lord. The theologian further expands his notion by stating the very fact that though the concept of God is much greater than human power to conceive, it does not put His existence in doubt altogether. Moreover, since God cannot be seen, but can be understood and imagined, it is somewhat a vehemently difficult thing to believe in someone unseen because of the deficient mental and physical faculties attributed to the human beings at large. Somehow, the fool would, according to Anselm, take the concept of God as an illusory matter in nature, which could only be supposed because of the characteristic of His concept, existing in the minds of the people only rather maintaining any reality in its scope. Since God has been in the fool’s understanding since long, but having no clear picture and image related to Him, the fool can understand His concept in the same manner as he conceives about the unreal objects that have no real existence in the world. Thus, having belief in the (Supreme) Being, unable to be conceived, is hard nut to crack for the fool. Unless indeed, Anselm submits, it is shown that this being is of such a character that it cannot be held in concept like all unreal objects, or objects whose existence is uncertain. (Halsall, 1998) However, the existence of God is not confined to human thought and mind only; it certainly is present in reality and hence can be proved by applying arguments in favor of His existence. If argues are unable to prove His existence, then whatever did exist in reality would be greater, and thus the thing which has already been proved to exist in the fool’s mind will not be greater than everything else. (Gaunilo: 2-3) Hence, the fool’s incapability to conceive the concept of God is actually the outcome of the insufficiency of his mental capacities. Since God’s existence and image is far above than the highest mental faculties and understanding of human mind, His concept should be taken within a broader magnitude, rather nullifying His concept on the basis that since humans are not unable to conceive His image, His existence has no association with reality altogether. It is only the person, who has been blessed with the power of understanding His existence, can comprehend with His existence. On the contrary, the fool remains in constant doubt regarding the existence of God because of the lack of his understanding and deficient intelligence level. Kendrick (2010) has made critical appreciation of the Anselm’s doctrine, where he has made various interpretations of this historical treatise. According to which neither does the renowned theologian strive to prove the existence of God in his ontological work, nor does he maintains any intentions to preach the people regarding His presence and omnipotence altogether. On the contrary, he is arguing that the concept ‘God’ and the concept ‘existential necessity’ are the same concept, which must be comprehended within a broader perspective. (2010, 74) Consequently, Anselm’s strife regarding explaining the concept of God has never been aimed at defining or endorsing different notions presented by divergent cultural and religious groups of ancient or medieval times in respect of the attributes, number and powers of gods. On the other hand, Anselm looks for conveying the message that there exists one and the only God, conceiving the image of which is beyond the control of human mind. Human mind could acknowledge and understand the certain existence of God, though his capacities do not allow him to comprehend with the attributes of God in its real sense. Kendrick take Anselm’s arguments as his sincere prayers to God, where the theologian appears to seek His love, care, attention and guidance in order to attain peace of mind and spiritual uplift and tranquility as blessings upon him from the high heavens. Anselm has applied an extremely meek, humble and modest tone while seeking pardons from the Lord. He appears to be begging for the discovering of His dwelling in the unapproachable light. Anselm, out of sheer love for his Lord, acknowledges His countless bounties upon him (i.e. the humans), and makes humblest appeals to Him to keep him as an extremely grateful person towards the Lord. Anselm also admits his shortcomings in respect of truly understanding the attributes and mercies of the Lord, and seeks His support for comprehending with these countless bounties. He humbly submits that he could never gather courage to scale the heights of the Lord’s glory; on the contrary, he just longs for understanding His truth in some way, which his heart believes and loves in an unflinching manner. (Chapter 1) Thus, the long discussion made by the theologian is actually the expression of his unconditional and unabated dedication and affiliation with his Lord, which has filled his heart with sacred light of wisdom and fortitude for His mercies upon humanity at large. Anselm’s Proslogion, according to Kendrick, contains different messages in it. On the one hand, it looks undoubtedly a meditation and contemplation, specific to the saints, monks and true believers of highest rank, as the tone and sublimity of his meditation ratifies the height of his faith in God, which represents his attempt to understand, by his mind or reason. On the other side, the theologian looks preaching the certain Christian doctrine by mentioning the existence of sacred but unapproachable light. It is therefore his exposition is not intended to be made for the ordinary readers or layman; rather, the treatise is actually produced for the Judo-Christian theologians, intellectuals and clergymen, who are in a position to read between the lines the sacred message conveyed through the most loyal words in the praise of the Lord. The critics, as Kendrick submits, also declare the meditation as the expression of seeking God’s help for the liberation of Jerusalem from the pagans, which is not only the birthplace of Holy Christ, but also the burial place of hundreds of the holy prophets, including all the three Patriarchs. Here, Kendrick interpreted the Muslims as the pagans in the Anselm’s eyes, who longs for bringing the sacred region under the Christian control. Thus, Anselm looks for the expulsion of the Jews and Muslims from the birthplace of Christ, so that the Christian doctrine and Christ’s teachings could be introduced and enforced in Jerusalem. Hence, Kendrick submits to state that the treatise under analysis has been produced in the background of the Christian faith, where Anselm makes humble prayers for the political, social, religious and spiritual uplift of the Christian community, particularly in the land of Christ; so that the community could observe all its religious obligations in the light of Christian doctrine free from any external pressure and threat. Read More